SCO News
Becoming a Forever Family: Declan Redwood O’Hare’s Adoption Story
January 22, 2015 / SCO News
Adoption Day: Making Their Tribe Complete The excited buzz in the Kings County Courthouse was more noticeable than you would normally expect for the small group of New Yorkers hanging around a waiting room near Judge Robert Ross’ offices on the morning of April 10, 2014. When Declan Redwood O’Hare burst out of a nearby office and tore down the adjacent hallway, the preschooler was trailed by his laughing pint-sized clone and little brother, Arthur (“Arty”), sporting a dark blue sweater nearly identical in color to Declan’s miniature suit jacket and vest. While the significance of the day may have been lost on Declan, who would turn three the next day, the adults were fully aware of what a momentous occasion it was: Three years after a five-day-old Declan was first placed into their arms, longtime couple Hugo Redwood and Denis O’Hare would officially go from foster parents to legally-recognized dads, when Declan’s adoption was finalized that morning.
Read MoreJanuary is National Mentoring Month – Get Involved!
January 12, 2015 / Independent Youth News
Could you navigate through a twisting, turning, pitch-black tunnel using only your sense of touch? Our kids did just that in the “Touch Tunnel,” one of many cool exhibits enjoyed Saturday by participants in our Family Dynamics Mentoring Program at the Liberty Science Center. See more photos below! January is National Mentoring Month – If you’d like to Be Someone Who Matters to Someone Who Matters, email us at coffice@sco.org. Find out more: http://sco.org/2014-mentoring-benefit/
Read MoreSCO Teens Visit Washington, D.C. with “Dream Big, Speak Out”
January 7, 2015 / Independent Youth News
Fifteen students from SCO's transfer high schools traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for the launch of "Dream Big, Speak Out," a program created by the New York Knicks, Garden of Dreams and Urban Word NYC to inspire students to engage with and reflect on the African American experience. New York Knicks Legend John Starks joined SCO's teens on their action-packed day trip to the nation's capital, which included an introduction to the program, a tour of Washington D.C.’s monuments and memorials, and a Langston Hughes-inspired dining experience and poetry reading at Busboys & Poets.
Read MoreSCO Celebrates the Holidays
December 16, 2014 / SCO News
Thanks to the many acts of generosity, care and compassion by donors from eastern Long Island to New York City, children, teens and adults throughout SCO's programs will enjoy a taste of holiday magic. SCO has always provided holiday gifts for the people we serve, going back to when the agency and the number of people we served was much smaller than it is today. But this year may be our most successful effort yet. Some 5,600 of our clients - from infants through adults - will receive approximately 15,000 gifts!
Read MoreSCO elects Jessica Taylor O’Mary to Board of Directors
December 11, 2014 / SCO News
December 12, 2014 – New York – The SCO Family of Services Board of Directors has elected Jessica Taylor O’Mary, a partner at Ropes & Gray LLP, to the SCO Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. O’Mary, who was named one of Institutional Investor’s “2014 Hedge Fund Rising Stars,” joined Ropes & Gray in 2003 and was promoted to Partner in 2012. She specializes in fund formation and regulatory advice to hedge fund and private equity fund sponsors; and advises clients on operational, regulatory, legal and business issues, as well as contract negotiations with service providers and limited partners. She also is one of two partners who oversee the firm’s private investment funds training program. “We are very excited about having Jessica join our Board,” said SCO Board Chair Kelly L. Williams. “Her expertise and commitment will help tremendously as we work to ensure SCO’s future as a leader in the nonprofit sector.”
Read MoreYouth in Care Find Employment Through SCO’s Work Readiness Program
December 10, 2014 / Independent Youth News
The next time you’re looking for a shirt at a Banana Republic Factory Store, the very helpful sales associate might well be the young woman pictured here or another one of our young people who participated in SCO’s work readiness program facilitated by Gap Inc. employee volunteers. Six of the new part-time salespeople, who are part of SCO’s redesigned foster care program, were offered jobs and started working during the holiday season!
Read MoreNYS Senator Phil Boyle Visits Our Morning Star II Residence
December 4, 2014 / Madonna Heights News
Two young mothers who were addicted to heroin and are currently in recovery at our Morning Star II residence on Wednesday described their experiences to New York State Senator Phil Boyle (R) 4th Senate District, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, in a meeting at our Madonna Heights campus in Dix Hills, Long Island.
Read MoreCelebrate #GivingTuesday by supporting SCO
December 2, 2014 / SCO News
Celebrate #GivingTuesday by making a donation to SCO at http://sco.org/donate! Today, your support will go twice as far thanks to a generous donor who pledged to match all donations made today up to $5,000!…
Read MoreHoliday Offers from Local Co-ops Developed by SCO’s Center for Family Life
December 1, 2014 / SCO News
Our Center for Family Life's Co-operative Development Program has been developing local worker-owned co-operatives since 2006. The co-ops we've incubated are allied together as the Co-operatives United for Sunset Park (CUSP) to share ideas to mutually support and strengthen each other and the community. As the Holidays are upon us, think of our members for your cleaning, childcare, elder care, dog walking and pet care needs. A gift certificate for our services makes a great present!
Read MoreRJMCC Thanksgiving
November 26, 2014 / SCO News
Residents at our Robert J. McMahon Children's Center celebrated Thanksgiving this week with a much-anticipated RJMCC annual tradition: a family-style Thanksgiving feast. The entire campus enjoyed good food and good company, joined by 42 local volunteers who shared a festive evening with youth in each of RJMCC's seven residential units. The volunteers brought games, music and gifts for all of the children. "Everyone had an absolutely amazing night," said SCO Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services Shelley Feldman. "We have the most dedicated and kind-hearted volunteers that you could ever imagine!"
Read More4th Annual Westbrook Prep Turkey Bowl
November 24, 2014 / SCO News
Brisk temperatures were no match for the spirit and enthusiasm of Westbrook Preparatory School students and staff at the 4th Annual Westbrook Prep Turkey Bowl football game Nov. 20th. The blue and green teams battled to a 28-28 tie in a game filled with big plays and lots of fun.
Read MoreTheresa Paplin School Open House
November 24, 2014 / SCO News
The solar system, Coney Island and Orca whales were all on display at Theresa Paplin School’s Open House on our Ottilie campus Nov. 20th. Students proudly showed off their artwork and science projects to their equally proud parents. Browse more photos by clicking on any of the thumbnails in the gallery below!
Read More2015 SCO Family of Services Annual Benefit
November 21, 2014 / SCO News
Save the date: Friday, May 29, 2015 Click here for Sponsorship & Ticketing Information For more information, contact Sioban Rack at 516.671.1253 x139 or srack@sco.org.
Read MoreNational Adoption Month – SCO Forever Families Updates
November 20, 2014 / SCO News
November is National Adoption Month and we’re celebrating by catching up with some of the adoptive families we’ve featured in the past year. Noah and Brigid Mehegan Noah Joshua Mehegan, age 6, has been Brigid’s son since he was 2 years old. On February 24, 2014, Brigid adopted him. While everything was the same as far as Noah was concerned, that day gave Brigid a feeling she will never forget. “It didn’t really hit me until the judge said ‘You are officially Noah Joshua Mehegan,’” Brigid said. “It took my breath away. It was amazing. I’d like to relive that feeling over and over.” From that point on, Noah would have only one name. Brigid would be able to make all of the medical and other decisions regarding Noah without needing consent from someone else. It took away all of the uncertainty Brigid had lived with as a foster mom.
Read MoreSupport SCO at Champions for Charity holiday shopping benefit
November 19, 2014 / SCO News
Click here to register for your CHAMPION CARD!…
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Last year, we placed
2,007
youth in employment, subsidized employment or internships
We provide
19,000
families and individuals with support services and community activities